Educate and Empower in Uganda with Nurture Africa

Hello and thanks for supporting this project. Within the report, I wanted to share a story from Hyjara....one of the students you are supporting through vocational education with Nurture Africa. She explains the impact of your support better than I ever could!

I am 19 years of age. As a child, I loved school but I remember that we always struggled as a family. We lacked the very basics like food and new clothing. Despite this, my childhood with my siblings and friends was joyful! I completed primary education and studied up to O Level (Junior Certificate) and performed well. I hoped to continue in education but my parents could not afford to continue paying my school fees. It was tough, as my younger siblings remained in school and most also stopped at primary level. I was extremely sad but understood that paying rent and buying food with what money we earned was the priority.
I became idle and mostly helped at home, raising my younger brothers and sisters.

Two years back, I was approched by a staff member from Nurture Africa's Community Team. She had identified me as a potentially vulnerable youth. After some meetings and an interview I was given the opportunity to enrol in Nurture Africa's Vocational Education Centre. There I could study on a free two year training course. I would also received free daily transport to and from home, two meals a day, scholastic and training materials. I was so happy to be returning to education and having the chance to learn a skill that could help me to earn money for my family. 

Things were delayed due the Covid-19 pandemic but now things are moving on well. I am studying the tailoring course and also business, book keeping and IT. We also speak with the counsellor on a weekly basis. I feel like my life has turned completely one hundred and eighty degrees. The new skills that I am learning are giving me the confidence to plan for my own business. I am eager to pass my final exams in the best manner possible. I feel that my destiny is once again in my own hands.

You can never know what the support that you have given means to me. I am told that you live in other parts of the world. It fills my with joy to know that there are people like you who have been ready to lift me up. I can write nothing more than my sincere and humble thanks and hope that you are proud of what I am achieving here. I am a young Ugandan women, stepping into a brighter adult life.

I hope that you are rewarded abundantly. 

Although this project is still underfunded, I think it's important for you to know that your donation and generousity is impacting positively on the lives of young Ugandan's in the Vocational Training Centre.

My warmest regards and best wishes,

Kevin Murphy, Project Coordinator, Nurture Africa